Parks & Wildlife

Parks

Epic mountains, sparkling lakes, living rainforests and oceanside trails – there are hundreds of parks in BC to explore.

From world-ranked Stanley Park in the heart of Vancouver to Gwaii Haanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that puts the "wild" into wilderness, British Columbia is renowned for having the most extensive parks system in Canada – there are more than 1,000 provincial parks and protected areas, plus many more national and city parks.

Walking and hiking are a given in virtually every park. Beyond that, there is wildlife viewing, backpacking, camping, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, fishing and boating, skiing and boarding, mountain biking and mountaineering.

Practical Information about BC Parks

Camping:

Many parks offer camping facilities – both vehicle-access and wilderness sites. The typical camping season is mid-May to mid-September although opportunities also abound for winter camping. Some parks accept reservations, others don't. Check the specific park's listing. Campers in the backcountry should practice "leave no trace" ethics.

Wildlife:

BC's parks are home to a rich and diverse variety of wildlife. For more information, including a wildlife viewing code of ethics, read the BC Parks Wildlife Guidelines.

Though animals typically avoid human interaction, bears may be encountered in some parks, especially in wilderness areas. Anyone venturing into the BC backcountry should be "bear aware"; read the BC Parks Bear Safety guidelines for more information.

Pets:

Watch for signage, but dogs on leash are usually welcome in most city parks and off-leash areas are designated. In wilderness areas, pets are generally discouraged and sometimes prohibited because of problems with wildlife, bears in particular. Check the specific park's website to be certain.

Seasons:

While most parks are open year round, winter weather can close trails and make conditions treacherous. Visitors need to check trail conditions and ensure they are appropriately equipped and knowledgeable about the terrain and winter conditions. Check the specific park's website for trail conditions.

Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. For more information on BC forest fires, click here. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.